The R.W. "Bill" Swarthout Fieldhouse, previously named the Bison Fieldhouse, is a gymnasium connected to the South Campus at Great Falls High School in Great Falls, Montana. It was renamed the Bill Swarthout Fieldhouse in 2003 after Bill Swarthout, a previously successful football coach and principal at the high school in the 1950s.
It is currently the primarily used gymnasium, and it is used to hold gym class, sports games such as basketball and volleyball, and practices for sports such as track, cross country, and Bisonette dance. Additionally, the Fieldhouse holds many pep assemblies and school events.
As an honored plaque in the Fieldhouse says, "Bill Swarthout was the football coach from 1947 to 1956. He led Great Falls High to state championship in year 1948, 1949, 1954, and 1956. In 1955 he fought off Bulbar Polio. He also defeated the disease and returned to his coaching position to lead the bison to their last championship with him. He was appointed principal in 1958, and during his time, Great Falls High started participating in girls' basketball and volleyball, and they started using computer technology. He initiated the construction of the Fieldhouse and retired as principal the same year in 1983."
Swarthout has been described as "a nice guy" who battled polio for a part of his life. After coaching in the 1950s, he took a position as principal, and he was generally beloved by all.
It is currently the primarily used gymnasium, and it is used to hold gym class, sports games such as basketball and volleyball, and practices for sports such as track, cross country, and Bisonette dance. Additionally, the Fieldhouse holds many pep assemblies and school events.
As an honored plaque in the Fieldhouse says, "Bill Swarthout was the football coach from 1947 to 1956. He led Great Falls High to state championship in year 1948, 1949, 1954, and 1956. In 1955 he fought off Bulbar Polio. He also defeated the disease and returned to his coaching position to lead the bison to their last championship with him. He was appointed principal in 1958, and during his time, Great Falls High started participating in girls' basketball and volleyball, and they started using computer technology. He initiated the construction of the Fieldhouse and retired as principal the same year in 1983."
Swarthout has been described as "a nice guy" who battled polio for a part of his life. After coaching in the 1950s, he took a position as principal, and he was generally beloved by all.